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Match Recap: Toronto Azzurri Blizzard 0 - 0 North Mississauga SC

09/25/2017, 11:00pm EDT

By League1 Ontario staff

North Mississauga SC were held to a scoreless draw by visitors Toronto Azzurri Blizzard in Matchweek 22, putting the North Miss side three points back of leaders FC London with only match remaining in their season.

"It was difficult for us but at the end the chances came and we didn't capitalize on those opportunities so sadly we tied a game that we had a lot of opportunities to win," said North Miss head coach, Jhon Ardila.

"We are looking to finish well and we will try and win the game against London."

First place FC London will travel to North Mississauga in Matchweek 23 knowing that only a point is necessary to secure back-to-back League1 titles, and a double-winning 2017 season after already claiming the L1 Cup.

In their final match, North Mississauga can claim the head-to-head edge and top the league if they defeat FC London, but this could be momentary satisfaction as London have one game in hand to play against Darby FC in Matchweek 24. Even if London lose in Mississauga, a draw in Whitby would be all that would be needed to hoist the silverware.

A young Toronto Azzurri Blizzard side showed once again that they are not to be underestimated. The Blizzard was the only side to go to London and beat the table-toppers, and as well held London to a draw in Toronto. The Blizzard also drew second place side North Mississauga in both their 2017 fixtures, and defeated third place side Vaughan Azzurri.

"It's probably because the girls have a different mindset when they come to play the top teams," said Blizzard team official Earnest Ellis. "We usually changed up our formation just to test out what they have, and then find out what's working for us and change it again."

"We are happy with our young players right now too," he added. "If they were to play at their own age group they would be fabulous. The game is faster and they are clearly able to go through that struggle and still compete. I'm very pleased to see it because I'm looking at this and thinking when they are in their own age group again they are going to be phenomenal."

North Mississauga SC will next play FC London on September 30 at Hershey Centre, Mississauga.

Toronto Azzurri Blizzard will next play Darby FC on September 29 at Whitby Soccer Centre, Whitby.